Now that the restrictions put under the Movement Control Order (MCO) are relaxed with its latest version called Recovery MCO, it’s time to take a break from being stuck at home. I mean, as cozy as our beds are, we all need some different sceneries in order to rejuvenate and recharge.
Thankfully with RMCO, interstate travels are now permitted. However, most of us still have reservations of travelling to far places within Malaysia for an RMCO vacation. Well, who said you need to go hundreds of kilometres just to get that sweet escape? That’s why these awesome staycation places that are just a short drive away from Kuala Lumpur is perfect.
The best part? They’re all super affordable at just under RM150 per night! Take a look below and start planning for that staycation now:
1. Southern Home @ Sungai Lima, Selangor
Source: slsouthernhome
Source: slsouthernhome
This charming little Waterhouse with colourful blue and white decorations is at the heart of a traditional Chinese fishing village in Pulau Ketam, Selangor.
What to expect:
- Be captivated by the surrounding mangrove swamps and its unique wildlife creatures.
- Spectacular picturesque view of the Strait of Malacca right from your doorsteps!
- Escape the stressful city life as there is no traffic on the island with bicycles being the main mode of transportation.
- Mouthwatering fresh seafood is also available all around the village including special prawn balls, crispy fried squid and their famous ikan bakar!
- The wonderful host and villagers are super friendly and will be more than happy to show you the ins and outs of their wonderful hometown.
Location: 850L1, Bagan Sungai Lima, 42940 Pulau Ketam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Getting there: Park your car at the Pulau Ketam Ferry Terminal in Port Klang and take a ferry directly to Sungai Lima. En route, expect a leisurely drive southward through Federal Highway.
Price: RM150 per room (private double room) per night. There is also a 6-bed mixed dormitory available for only RM79 per person per night during weekends!
Interested? Enquire and book through their Facebook page here!
Source: slsouthernhome
Source: slsouthernhome
2. Bamboo Village, Hulu Langat, Selangor
Source: Bamboo Village
Source: Bamboo Village
Bamboo Village is an environmentally friendly guest house located in the scenic jungles of Hulu Langat, Selangor. Enjoy a surreal experience living in the calm and unique “bamboo style” landscape that can’t be found anywhere else in Malaysia!
What to expect:
- The bamboos used to build the complex are imported from Indonesia and have been treated against insect and fungal attacks.
- Bamboo Village was built with the concept of “Rumah Bambu Taman Sunda” and its Sundanese (an Indonesian ethnic group native to Java Island) influence can be seen throughout the vicinity.
- All rooms are decorated to make guests feel right at home with personal touches visible all across the complex.
- The structures are naturally cool without the need for air-conditioning as the bamboos used are rare breeds that have the ability to absorb heat!
- One unique thing about Bamboo Village is that it offers visitors to stay there for free in a volunteer programme if they stay and work for around 3-5 hours per day for 7 days!
Location: Off Lorong Serai 4, Sungai Serai, Batu 11, 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Getting there: Just under 1 hour from Kuala Lumpur depending on the traffic, the route starts to get pretty scenic once you went past Cheras.
Price: Prices start from as low as RM30 per day with a 3 person cottage terrace at only RM120 per night!
Find out more about Bamboo Village through their official website here.
Source: Bamboo Village
Source: Bamboo Village
3. Adeline’s Rest House, Gopeng, Perak
Source: Adeline’s Villa and Rest House
Source: Adeline’s Villa and Rest House
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate, this peaceful full-service retreat in Gopeng, Perak is just the place!
What to expect:
- A nature sanctuary that offers several accommodation options
- A balance of pristine comfort you’d expect from of a vacation with the untouched wonders of Malaysian rainforest.
- Established in 2004, owner and founder Madam Adeline Kuo envisioned an escapade for city dwellers who crave to go back to nature.
- Choose from the many private lodges for two to large family at Adeline Villa or for a more adventurous, back-to-nature types, choose the Adelline Rest House.
- Each accommodation are designed with aboriginal elements, shielded by natural beauty of the forest.
Location: No 5 & 5A, Jalan Taman Bertuah, 31600 Gopeng, Negeri Perak
Getting there: Located just 30 minutes from Ipoh, it’s some 3 hours drive from KL. You can always stop by Ipoh for a culinary adventure first!
Price: Starts from RM150 per night.
Onz? You can book via their website here.
4. Scott Zen Garden, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur
Source: Airbnb
Source: Airbnb
If you’re looking for a place not too far a drive from Klang Valley, then this Airbnb is perfect for you! A minimalistic duplex that even Marie Kondo would be proud of, declutter from all the stress and rigidness of work and see the zen side of Kuala Lumpur.
What to expect:
- A beautiful local interior landscape with two trees and pebbles which offers you a unique zen experience indoors.
- The main bedroom is located upstairs with a small balcony made out of timber flooring.
- There’s another queen size bed located at the lower part of the duplex right beside the garden.
- This extra sleeping space combined with its two private bathrooms, make this Airbnb the perfect weekend getaway for a group of 4!
Location: Kompleks Rimbun 289, Jalan Klang Lama Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Getting there: Old Klang Road could have pretty bad traffic even during weekends.
Price: RM149 per night. If you’re a first time Airbnb user, you can get up to RM120 discount if you stay for 2 consecutive nights using a referral code.
Interested? Check out the place via Airbnb here.
Source: Airbnb
Source: Airbnb
5. Layang-Layang Guest House, Melaka
Source: Booking.com
Source: Booking.com
Awarded the Travellers Choice Award in 2017, this charming boutique hotel is situated near all the tourist spots of the historic city of Melaka.
What to expect:
- Located at Jalan Tukang Besi, Layang-Layang Guesthouse is just a one-minute walk away to Jonker Street.
- This particular area is also one of the oldest heritage sites in the country and very well preserved until today.
- Fully restored since 2013, this boutique hotel combines a unique fusion of modern and heritage design.
- Meet people from all over the world in a cosy and charming environment!
Location: 26, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka
Getting there: The drive to Melaka could take up to 2 hours with the traffic near the Heritage area taking up most of your time.
Price: Starting from just RM63 per night!
Time for a Melaka road trip? Find out more here.
Source: Booking.com
Source: Booking.com
6. Time Capsule Retreat, Sungai Lembing, Pahang
Source: Travellingyuk
Source: Time Capsule Retreat
This small nature resort began as a simple retreat from the city for the owner’s family and friends. Inspired by the magnificent nature surroundings in Sg Lembing when bringing friends over, this minimalistic retreat merges the calmness of nature with the luxury of the city.
What to expect:
- It exudes a kampung atmosphere that is heartwarming, with friendly people and plenty of good food to hunt down.
- The main attraction of the place has got to be the capsule themselves, which are made out of cylinder blocs for a unique and Instagram-worthy experience.
- The capsules are not the only main attraction though as this is also it the first reflective rectangular glass retreat in the world!
- There are also common areas which guests can use, including facilities Karaoke and BBQ area.
- Do note that BBQ will be set up upon guests’ request and you need to bring your own ingredients.
Location: Sungai Lembing, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang
Getting there: It’s a scenic 3 hours drive once you’ve passed the Gombak toll.
Price: Starts from RM118 per night.
Ready for an adventure in the woods? You can find out more about Time Capsule Retreat via their website here.
Okay, how awesome are these places? To think they’re just under a 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur; feel like wanna go right now weh!
Which of the above do you want to visit most? Do you have any other staycation places to recommend? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: PDRM: There Will Be No More Roadblocks During The RMCO